UFC on FOX 5 ratings: Overnight numbers show 3.41 million viewers

Saturday’s UFC on FOX 5 event provided the FOX network with a ratings uptick compared to its previous two UFC shows.

Though not yet official, the overnight numbers for the broadcast, according to TVbytheNumbers, had FOX in the top spot among adults ages 18-49. A average of 3.41 million viewers tuned in the the broadcast for a 5 share.

The numbers are an improvement from UFC on FOX 4 and UFC on FOX 3, which took place in August and May, respectively. Each of those broadcasts averaged 2.4 million viewers.

Among programs UFC on FOX 5 beat among adults 18-49 were CBS’ “48 Hours,” “The Borrowers” on ABC and “The American Giving Awards” show on NBC.

The final numbers could be different, though. The broadcast, scheduled from 8-10 p.m. ET, ran over thanks to the five-round title fight. Details on the final ratings numbers will be made available this week.

UFC on FOX 5 took place at Seattle’s KeyArena and featured a lightweight title fight in the main event. It was the first title fight for a UFC on FOX broadcast since the heavyweight title was on the line at UFC on FOX 1 in November 2011. That was the UFC’s debut on the network, and that, combined with the most prestigious title in combat sports being on the line helped FOX to 5.7 million viewers.

UFC on FOX 2 this past January averaged 4.7 million viewers before the drop off for UFC on FOX 3 and 4 until Saturday’s show picked things back up.

In the main event, Benson Henderson defended his title with a five-round unanimous decision win over Nate Diaz. Also on the card, Alexander Gustafsson dominated former light heavyweight champ Mauricio “Shogun” Rua, welterweight contender Rory MacDonald dominated former two-division champ B.J. Penn and Matt Brown, to open the main card on FOX, had a highlight-reel knockout of Mike Swick.

UFC on FOX 6 is scheduled for Jan. 26 at Chicago’s United Center and again features a title fight as flyweight champ Demetrious Johnson defends his belt for the first time against top contender John Dodson. The card also features the return of former champ Quinton “Rampage” Jackson in a fight against Glover Teixeira and a top contenders fight between lightweights Donald Cerrone and Anthony Pettis.

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